Snap-hook



(N0 Model.)

J. W. WHEELER.

4 SNAP HOOK. No. 306,198. Patented Oct. 7, 1884'.

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JOHN IV. IVHEELER, OF COUNCIL BLUFFS, IOIVA.

SNAP-HOOK.

SPECIFICATION forming part of Letters A mplication filed March 20, 1884.

To on whom, it may concern:

Be it known that l, J HN WV. WHEELER, of Council Bluffs, in the countyof Pottawattamie and State of Iowa, have invented certain new and usefulImprovements in Snap- Hooks; and I do hereby declare the following to bea full, clear, and exact description of the invention, such as willenable others skilled in the art to which it appertains to make'and usethe same.

Myinvention relates to an improvement in snap-hooks, the object of thesame being to provide a device of this character which shall beespecially adapted for use in connection with hose-carriages, engines,'&0., in fire-de- 'partments, a further object being to provide a deviceof this character which shall be so constructed as to permit of greatspeed. certainty and security in attachment, a further object being toprovide means for effectually preventing Water and dirt from lodginginto and clogging the action of the spring, and so depriving it of itsefficiency, a further object being to provide a device of this characterwhich shall be economical in construction and durable and efficient inuse; and with these ends in view my invention consists in the certainfeatures of construction and combinations of parts as will be more fullydescribed, and pointed out in the claims.

I11 the drawings, Figure 1 is a View in perspective of my invention.Fig. 2 is a sectional view thereof, and Fig. 3 is a separate view of thetongue or snap.

A represents the shank, slightly curved at B, and provided with the hookO, and having formed in the upper surface the elongated oblique slot D,which extends through the said shank, thus permitting the free passageof water and dirt through the same, and preventing it from becomingclogged.

In the slot D is pivotallysecured the curved tongue or snap E. The slotD is made longer on the upper surface of the shank, in order toaccommodate the curved tongue or snap E when it is pressed down to admita ring or other object to thehook O. The point of the book 0 is rounded,as shown at F, for the purpose of guiding the ring or other object withwhich it comes in contact into the bite of the hook. The tongue or snapE is preferably curved, and rests, when in its normal position, a shortdistance back from the end of the hook, the object being to accuratelyand effectively guide the ring or desired ob- Patent NO. 306,198, datedOctober 7, 1884:.

(No model.)

jectto be fastened into the hook (l. The shank A is cut away, as shown,forming a recess to accommodate the stiff flat metallic spring I, thuspermitting the spring to rest flush with the top of the shank A, thesaid spring I being secured to the shank by means of the rivet L at itsend M. The tongue or snap E is preferably curved or cut away at its end0, as shown, and is provided with the shoulder N, upon the face of whichrests the spring I, and serves to hold the tongue or snap E in position.The end P of the tongue fits snugly against the rear face, Q, of theslot D, thus entirely relieving the free end of the tongue from anybackward strain that may be brought against the same. The tongue E,being provided with the shoulder N, permits the spring to rest flushwith the tongue. At this point they are both flush with the shank, thuspermitting the ring to slide easily over the joint.

For convenience in use the hook maybe provided at its end with a ring orloop made integral therewith and of any desired shape.

The construction and method of attaching the spring I to the shank Aissuch that when the spring becomes disabled it can be replaced at a smallexpense and without disturbing other portions of the hook.

Having fully described my invention, what I claim as new, and desire tosecure by Letters Patent, is-

1. In a snap-hook, the combination, with a shank having a hook on oneend thereof, a recess on its front face, and a slot, of a tongue one endof which rests within the slot, while the opposite end bears against thehook, and a spring secured within the recess and bearing against thetongue, all of the above parts being constructed and combinedsubstantially as set forth.

2. As an improved article of manufacture, a snap-hook consisting,essentially, of the shank A, provided with the oblique slot D and recessK, the tongue or snap E, provided with the shoulder N, and the spring I,all of the above parts combined and adapted to 0p erate substantially asdescribed, and for the purpose set forth.

In testimony whereof I have signed this specification in the presence oftwo subscribing witnesses.

Witnesses: JOHN IV. W'HEELER.

M. D. HARDIN,

F. A. BURKE.

